Sniffer dogs and swab tests used at 6 pubs in Kent during police drugs operation
Officers also carried out on the spot searches at pubs in Tonbridge & Malling and Sevenoaks
Pubs across West Kent have been visited by officers and police dogs as part of an ongoing operation to monitor and stamp out drug use.
Kent Police’s licensing team, Community Safety Unit and canine section visited six pubs in Tonbridge & Malling and Sevenoaks on Friday to conduct swab tests and on-the-spot searches.
Officers searched four people under the Misuse of Drugs Act following positive indications from the dogs, three of which were negative, and one person was found in possession of legitimate prescribed medication.
Conducted as part of an ongoing effort to combat drug use in licensed premises across Kent, the visits saw officers swab toilets and pool table areas and provided the opportunity to inform staff and customers about the operation.
Chief Inspector Omid Changizi said: "This kind of operation is an important opportunity to get out in the community and engage with residents, and Friday’s visits were very well received by all customers and staff.
"Whilst officers found no drugs in their searches, this is a testament to the success of our targeted effort to keep pubs drug-free.
"Furthermore, toilet swabs in two venues now showed no trace of drugs compared to previously positive results. This is a great sign that our work in this area is paying off."